We are hearing more and more about genetically modified foods and GMO’s in the news these days. So first of all let’s find out what are GMOs?
According to Wikipedia, genetically modified foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques.
The news around GMOs pertains to the labeling of food so the consumer knows if they are getting GMOs or not. So why the concern? Isn’t everything on the grocery stores safe to eat?
Let’s answer that question by looking at some of the health trends in the United States. It seems that from 1997-2002 there was a doubling of peanut allergies in the U. S. One out of seventeen children under 3 now has a food allergy and food allergies can kill. There has been a 265% increase in the rate of hospitalization due to food allergies. So what is different in our food supply that is causing all of these allergies?
Well in 1994 the dairy industry introduced engineered proteins otherwise known as synthetic growth hormones into the production of milk and dairy products. They did this by injecting the dairy cows with this newly engineered protein. Unfortunately there were no human studies completed to determine the effect these proteins would have on human health. The animal studies that were conducted showed that the animals had an increased incidence of mastitis, ovarian cysts, skin disorders and lameness.
If one reviews the health trends in the United States, you would find that we have one of the highest rates of cancer in the world. In the U.S. we have a higher rates of breast, prostate and colon cancer than anywhere else on the planet. The statistics show that a man has a 50% chance of getting cancer and a woman has a 33% chance of getting cancer. We must question why the United States cancer rates are higher than the rest of the world. It turns out that the rest of the world determined that GMOs had not been tested and thus they were too dangerous for their populations. Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan did not allow GMOs in their food supply.
In 1996 soy was allowed to be genetically modified. Soy was engineered to withstand larger and larger amounts of weed killer. Soy is one of the top 8 allergens according to the Center for Disease Control. Again there were no human trials………
In the late 1990’s an insecticide protein was added to the corn seeds. As the corn grew, it actually releases the insecticide onto the plant to keep the bugs away. And the story continues. Again there were no tests on humans, again the rest of the world refused to use the GMO seeds. Isn’t it amazing that the United States spends more on health care than any other country on the planet?
It turns out that 80% of our processed foods contain GMOs. I am not so sure labeling is going to make a difference. As things stand right now it is imperative to eliminate processed foods from your diet unless they are organic. Our soybeans, corn, canola, rice, sugar beets, tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, sweet peppers, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, cocoa beans, yellow squash and cottonseed are all genetically modified.
On top of the health crisis this change in agriculture allowed the large agribusinesses to patent seeds. Farmers are not allowed to save their seeds like their parents did. This adds a lot of cost to the farmer which they must pass on to you. Many of the farmers who changed to the genetically modified seeds are now finding that the weeds and bugs have become immune to the weed killer and pesticides in the seeds. They are now contending with super weeds and bugs. Farmers say they are now using more insecticide and weed killer than they used prior to the introduction of genetically modified seeds. Again their costs are rising which will impact your pocket book.
It seems our only choice is to be sick or eat only organic. I vote for organic.
Jean Sumner has pursued an interest in wellness her entire life. An avid runner, she is passionate about exercise, eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Jean was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2009 this only served to fuel the flames of her passions and encouraged her to learn more about wellness. This diagnosis actually led to the beginning of World Wellness Education with a mission of “Teaching the world about wellness — one story at a time.”
As Jean pursued alternative methods of treating cancer she met countless individuals who had great stories to tell regarding how nutrition, spirituality and exercise helped them to overcome their various illnesses. Since these stories were moving, motivating and timely she thought that each of these stories may make a difference in others lives. With the knowledge that we learn from stories more quickly than other teaching methods an organization was born in hopes to make a difference in the well being of every individual on the planet.
This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.